Many senior citizens including some who were suffering from illnesses turned up at the polling booths with some help and cast their votes in the elections for the urban local bodies (ULBs) in Udupi district on Thursday.
Leela (83) cast her vote despite her ill-health at the polling booth at Zilla Panchayat (ZP) Higher Primary School at Nittur in Udupi. She walked into the polling centre with the help of her son Bhoja and daughter-in-law Gulabi. “My mother has never missed voting in any election,” Mr. Bhoja said.
Sanjeeva (60), who suffered a paralytic stroke eight years ago, also cast his vote in the same centre with the help of his daughter. “I pressed the button,” an elated Sanjeeva said
Narsi (60), who has a similar condition, was carried by his neighbour Jayakar to the polling centre. Ms. Narsi’s sister Appi, said Narsi was keen on casting her vote. 72-year-old Mary Fernandes had come to cast her vote at the Bhandarkars College polling booth in Kundapur despite suffering a heart ailment. Her daughter Theresa Fernandes, said that Ms. Mary had never missed voting in any election.
Durgi (75) too cast her vote at this centre despite her ill-health. Her daughter-in-law Kasturi said that Ms. Durgi had insisted upon voting in the election.
First-time voters were eager to cast their votes. Sukanya (18) from Parampalli, a first-time voter, pursuing first year B.Com. at the Government First Grade College, Malur, said: “I am very excited.”
